New Leadership at ELFA for the Year Ahead
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) recently announced its leadership changes for the upcoming year. Executive leadership had its formal introduction at the conclusion of the recent Annual Convention held in Marco Island, Florida.
Deborah Baker's New Role
In an exciting development for the organization, Deborah Baker, who serves as the Vice President for Global Payment Solutions at HP Inc., was named the new Board Chair of ELFA. Taking on this prestigious role, she expressed her enthusiasm for representing the members, staff, and fellow board members.
Key Leadership Changes
Alongside Baker, Nathan Gibbons, CLFP, and Chief Experience Officer at QuickFi, has been designated as the Chair-Elect. This decision was made following recommendations from ELFA's Nominating Committee and approved by a vote from the general membership. Baker emphasized her eagerness to work closely with Immediate Past Chair James Cress and CEO Leigh Lytle, focusing on enhancing areas like industry research and workforce development.
Vision for the Future
Baker referenced the various opportunities ahead for the industry, underscoring the importance of actively engaging qualified talent. With a robust agenda laid out, she hopes to build on the substantial achievements of the previous year in advocacy and community engagement.
Support from the Industry
Leigh Lytle, ELFA President and CEO, expressed his confidence in Baker's capabilities, stating that her wealth of industry knowledge and innovative perspective will be significant as the organization navigates the road ahead. With her leadership, Lytle believes that new avenues to support members will be explored, propelling the industry forward.
Baker's Accomplishments and Experience
Deborah Baker is not new to leadership roles within the ELFA. Her extensive involvement includes contributions to the Board of Directors and several key committees, highlighting her dedication to the organization. She also played a vital role in fostering female representation in leadership through her past chairwoman role in the ELFA Women’s Council and being a founding member of the Equity Committee.
Commitment to Education
A reliable contributor to the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation, Baker was also engaged in reviewing student scholarship evaluations in the recent year. Her involvement emphasizes the critical connection between education and industry advancement.
Her Vision at HP Inc.
Baker leads the comprehensive finance strategy at HP, supporting various customer segments and demonstrating her commitment to the financial services sector. She comes with a wealth of experience, having spent over 30 years dedicated to the finance industry, with significant roles in different financial entities before her current position at HP.
Notable Members of the 2026 ELFA Board of Directors
The newly elected Board of Directors at ELFA includes distinguished members such as Eric Bunnell (CLFP, President of Arvest Equipment Finance), John Grosso (Senior VP at John Deere Financial), and others who have been chosen to serve important roles for this term.
2026 Board Composition
The executive leadership team is rounded out with Kirk Phillips serving as the First Vice Chair, while Neal Garnett takes on the role of Second Vice Chair. Additional key positions like Treasurer and Secretary have been assigned to Jeffry Elliott (CLFP) and Daryl Muller respectively.
Future Directions
As Deborah Baker steps into her role as Chair of the ELFA, the focus remains on promoting advancements in the equipment finance sector. With a dedicated Board of Directors, the organization aims to harness insights and strategic initiatives to foster growth and innovation across the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Deborah Baker?
Deborah Baker is the newly appointed Chair of the ELFA and serves as VP for Global Payment Solutions at HP Inc.
What are Baker's goals as ELFA Chair?
She aims to engage more qualified talent in the industry and focus on research and education developments.
Who was elected alongside Baker?
Nathan Gibbons was elected as Chair-Elect of the ELFA Board of Directors.
What other roles has Baker held within ELFA?
Baker has served in various leadership roles including Board member, Executive Committee, and as Chair of the Women's Council.
How does the ELFA support the equipment finance industry?
ELFA advocates for financial services companies recognizing their contributions to the economy and industry growth through its network of members.
